Barkhad Abdi

Barkhad Abdi (Somali: Barkhad Cabdi) is a critically acclaimed Somali–American actor born on April 10, 1985. His versatile acting career began with a riveting performance as the pirate Abduwali Muse in the film Captain Phillips (2013). This outstanding debut won him a British Academy Film Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, and he was also nominated for the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award. Following his stunning breakout role, Abdi delivered more memorable performances in films like Eye in the Sky (2015), Good Time (2017), The Pirates of Somalia (2017), and Blade Runner 2049 (2017). Apart from films, he showcased his talent in the Hulu horror anthology Castle Rock (2019) and the Showtime satirical comedy series The Curse (2023).

Abdi was born to Somali Bantu and Majerten parents in Mogadishu, Somalia. His journey from a child facing the hardships of the Somali Civil War to an acclaimed actor in the American film industry is an inspirational tale. He started his adult life working at his brother's mobile phone shop and later as a limousine driver. However, a casting call in Minneapolis for Captain Phillips catapulted him into acting, bringing his unique talent to the world's attention. Post Captain Phillips, Abdi continued to act in numerous films and even directed the Somali film Ciyaalka Xaafada. Simultaneously, his philanthropic activities include serving as an Ambassador for Adeso, an NGO founded by Somali environmentalist Fatima Jibrell.